N-type voltage-gated calcium channel subunit alpha-1B (CaV2.2 (or α1B))

The N-type voltage-gated calcium channel subunit alpha-1B (CaV2.2, encoded by the CACNA1B gene) is the primary pore-forming subunit of the N-type calcium channel, a high-voltage-activated ion channel predominantly found in presynaptic nerve terminals and neuroendocrine cells. It is integral to synaptic transmission, controlling the entry of calcium ions into neurons to trigger neurotransmitter release. Structurally, the alpha-1B subunit forms a central pore surrounded by four homologous domains, each consisting of six transmembrane segments, and associates with several auxiliary subunits (α2δ, β, sometimes γ) to modulate function and expression. These channels play a key role in pain pathways and are pharmacologically targeted by peptide toxins and the drug ziconotide for severe chronic pain, with emerging research into their involvement in various neurological disorders[1][2][3][4][5][8].

Other names

Voltage-dependent N-type calcium channel subunit alpha-1BCaV2.2BIIIBrain calcium channel IIICACH5CACNL1A5Calcium channel, L type, alpha-1 polypeptide isoform 5CACNA1B (gene name)N-type calcium channel

Blockage of calcium influx into neuronal terminals; Inhibition of neurotransmitter release (especially pain neurotransmitters); Disruption of synaptic transmission in pain pathways[1][2]